The Killarney Motor Club have invited the MCOI to take part in a very special event taking place on Saturday Dec 5th 2009 , to celebrate the 50th birthday of the mini , the event is a non competitive run over some of the very famous rally stages from the Circuit of Ireland rally particularly those used in the mid 60s when the mini dominated rallying , the organisers have invited ANY mini or MINI from 1959 to 2009 to join them for this unique event , below are full details and I would recommend everyone to make this one a 'must do' event , watch this space for further details ;
OFFICIAL DETAILS OF EVENT RECEIVED FROM THE ORGANISIER
This being the 50th anniversary of the mini car ,a fun run is taking place on SAT.5th of December from The Brooklane Hotel Kenmare .Competitors do not need a competition licence to take part as there is no speed involved and the competitors own insurance is all that is necessary to compete.Minis of all ages right up to 2009 will be accepted and any derivatives of the mini such as mini marcos or mini jem will be very welcome.The event is being run in conjunction with the Historic Rally Of The Lakes which has the same head quarters and is on the same weekend.
A road book has been checked and the route is finalized .All directions will be given as tulips and the distances are accurate but you do not need a tripmeter as the route is not complex.The event will follow broadly the route of the early Circuits Of Ireland in the west Cork-south Kerry area.Some ex-works minis from the 60s will attend including minis from northern Ireland (mini),some from England and a number of well known Irish entries as well.The Kenmare Bay Hotel , directly across the road from the h-q are doing a special deal for food and accom.
The only cost involved in your participation is for the road book as the Killarney Motor Club has covered all the other expenses including permits etc,.To sign on for the event you need your insurance -or current disc and a token fee of 15 euro.Telephone enquiries to 086-8696422 any time
The route for the mini run is finalized and includes CLASSIC stages such as Borlin,Fuhiry, Kilmacallogue ,Healy Pass, Cod's Head and Ardgroom.The route is approx 150 miles in total and also includes a few narrow link roads between "stages".The timing is based on the rule of 25 miles per hour including the main road sections but a competitor does not have to average any particular speed and there are no penalties for stopping for a smoke or a p---- or to eat a bite.At 25mph , the route should take 6 hours but you must allow time for food and other stops.If the last car starts at 10 a.m. ,it should be back in Kenmare at 4.45 p.m.Sign on is from 9a.m. and cars will run at minute intervals.We want 50 minis for the 50th anniversary of the launch of the "mini- minor".The event will get press coverage and the mini magazines will have a report.